If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Welcome to VELOCIPEDE SALON.
VSalon currently allows unregistered guests to view the forum. If you want to participate - and we hope you do - please sign up and wait for one of our good looking moderators to approve. You do not need an invite! Please be aware when you request membership we ask for a real name with contact info. Screen names and cryptic email addresses are okay, but no one is accepted in the community without real life/real world credentials.
A moderator will contact you, just say hi and and how you found us. We'll wait to hear back from you.
Please note: This is a work place friendly forum and only ask you honor this and help keep the discussions lively.
Dear friends, you are here because you found this or someone told you about this place. This really is a salon. It says so right here, go ahead and look!!! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salon_(gathering). This Salon is where bicycle artisans, industry types, racers, cyclists, bicyclists and their friends exchange in a comfortable setting. We bring some history but none of the bags with us from our former fav. places to hangout. Nuff said. There are ground rules for everyone to follow, most are explained in the agreement (below). This Salon is ment to remain work place friendly. Don't ask us what the color of the kit is. This will cause immdeiate removal from the Salon!!! Sorry, we voted and that's the way it is.
This Salon is operated by volunteers who donate lots of hard work, insight and generosity. Feed the moderators beers and give lots of karma, they are "easy"...I made sure of that. :)
Warm Regards, Too Tall and our handsome staff of volunteers

Finding a slow leak in a tubeless set up

So, most of what was a hassle with tubeless was user error with some new skills to learn.

So here is my current conundrum. I have a slow leak in my back tyre. No worse than latex tubes, but just as annoying (to me).

The puncture is subtle enough there are no damp spots on the tyre, so i canít just plug it. But it leaks air. With two days between riding, it needs pumping. That sort of regular maintenance makes my brain hurt.

So whatís the best way to find a slow leak that wants to stay hidden. What do i need to learn here?

Re: Finding a slow leak in a tubeless set up

So, most of what was a hassle with tubeless was user error with some new skills to learn.

So here is my current conundrum. I have a slow leak in my back tyre. No worse than latex tubes, but just as annoying (to me).

The puncture is subtle enough there are no damp spots on the tyre, so i can’t just plug it. But it leaks air. With two days between riding, it needs pumping. That sort of regular maintenance makes my brain hurt.

So what’s the best way to find a slow leak that wants to stay hidden. What do i need to learn here?

I had similar issues in the past. Usually on a brand new tire which in my idea was caused either by a porous tire or a tire that didn't seat perfectly to the sidewalls. What I did was the following : deflate the tire completely, remove the valve core, add a bit of sealant, use my Schwalbe Tire Booster to pop the tire again against the sidewalls as if it was the first mount, deflate back, insert the valve core, pump it to the desired pressure then ride.

It as always been enough for me.

If it is a worn tire and the leak occured only recently you should be able to solve it by adding a bit of sealant. If you have some large clear water pond/tank nearby you can try plunging the tire in the water and see if you spot any bubble. In that case mark the position, let the wheel dry, add som sealant, pump the tire and let it sits with the leaking spot in the lowest position possible and let it sit for 1h or 2 that way then ride to spread the rest of the sealant evenly.

Re: Finding a slow leak in a tubeless set up

I'd just add a little more sealant and ride it. Sealant isn't a one and done deal. Some tires seat better, even identical model tires on identical rims, but adding a little air every few days is part of the deal.

Re: Finding a slow leak in a tubeless set up

Thatís lucky. Other than the bath, iím pretty sure I donít own a basin big enough to be useful.
I own some Orange Seal Endurance, just havenít got to it yet!

Thanks for the tips...fate got in the way and it morphed into a proper puncture so i could see it and plug it! Iíll try the soapy water and a brush next time.

Oh, and i find this funny. Intellectually i know the hole has to be down the bottom where the sealant is. I know that. I really do. Still, i like the repair to be up the top where i can see it and wonder why the sealant isnít doing its job! For crying out loud.

Re: Finding a slow leak in a tubeless set up

This reminds me...I have to find a medium-slow leak as well. Fast enough that it will go flat if left for 3 days, slow enough that it is not an issue for an average ride ... which is why it falls off my list of things to do sooner rather than later....

Re: Finding a slow leak in a tubeless set up

you don't even have to spray suds--a sponge or rag with a really soapy mix does fine too (as in don't use too much water) I bet bubble bath soap would be great for this. slow leak could be valve, or rim tape or bead not quite seated with a bugger in the way

Re: Finding a slow leak in a tubeless set up

Originally Posted by Marin

- You don't need to submerge the whole wheel at once, just dip and slowly rotate. Any sink will work

Not in our house it wonít. That would definitely be a sackable offence. Not to mention that our sink is small enough that you would pretty much have to fill it. Much prefer the wipe on watery soap idea.

Also, Iíve got no problem pumping up tyres before a ride, but doing so at 5:20am is not part of the stealthy exit plan encouraged chez nous